KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Amid a global pandemic that has rocked the hospitality industry, 41 Action News has some positive news to share about a Kansas City chef.
Chef Michael Corvino is a finalist for a 2020 James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Midwest category. This is his second nomination.
"It’s an absolute honor to be named a nominee and the announcements bring light to our industry and what it’s going through," he said in a statement to 41 Action News. "We hope it’s a reminder that the fight for our survival right now isn’t about being named “the best,” but about keeping the places open where people gather with each other, relax, enjoy themselves, and make memories. That is what my team is fighting to preserve every day.
Corvino, of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room in the Crossroads, had already launched a fast-casual concept for carry-out called Ravenous before the public health crisis shut down dining rooms across the city.
On the restaurant’s Instagram account, they have been featuring employees each week to show customers who exactly their continued support through carry-out is helping.
The James Beard Foundation acknowledged the troubled times many restaurants are facing and with the announcement of the nominations Monday also announced they would forgo a physical awards ceremony.
The Restaurant and Chef Award winners will be announced in September according to the James Beard Foundation website, which also included the following statement:
“During this time the Foundation has turned its attention to supporting the relief and rebuild efforts, postponing Awards activities to instead focus on the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund, which to date has disbursed more than $4 million to independent, locally owned restaurants around the country. After consultation with chefs and restaurateurs across the country, the Foundation decided to announce the 2020 nominees and honorees, and set the dates for this year’s remaining Awards events, which recognize work done in 2019."
Corvino was one of the last guests on 41 Action News' food podcast, Chew Diligence, before we began our special COVID-19 coverage. To hear more about his culinary journey, what led him to Kansas City, and his passion, you can find our podcast here.
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